The Dutch captain of the Cameroonian-flagged motor fishing vessel AFKI, Mr. Peter Van Der Molen, identified with registration number UK12 and IMO number AFKI 8432780, commended the Nigerian Navy for successfully rescuing both the vessel and its crew after reportedly drifting off course for four weeks.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the shipping crew, Molen praised the Nigerian Navy during an interaction with journalists on Tuesday evening at Madagho community in Escravos, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
He specifically acknowledged Navy Captain Olayinka Aliu, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base, Escravos, for overseeing their welfare.
The Dutch captain detailed how the Nigerian Navy provided them with vital supplies such as food and other essentials during their ordeal, as they had nearly depleted their resources prior to the rescue.
Also speaking, the Commanding Officer, Forward Operation Base, Escravos, Navy Captain Aliu, reassured seafarers and indeed other maritime operators of “the commitments of the Nigerian Navy to collaborate with local and strategic partners and allies to ensure the safety and security of vessels, as well as crew members, who carry out legitimate businesses in or transit Nigerian maritime environment.”
Aliu emphasized that deploying Nigerian Navy platforms in the Search and Rescue operation for the Cameroonian registered fishing vessel, MFV AFKI, aligned with NN’s statutory role for Safety of Life at Sea.
